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Free Admission Days in the Parks
Generally, to enter a Washington County Park by vehicle, you must display a daily or annual vehicle permit. Exceptions are the Hardwood Creek Trail and the Historic Courthouse, where no vehicle permit is required.
Additionally, there are specific days when no vehicle permit is needed in any park:
- The first non-holiday Tuesday of each month.
- The second Saturday in June (National Get Outdoors Day).
- Earth Day.
- The Friday after Thanksgiving.
To learn more about these free admission days, click on each tab below.
Earth Day is an annual event celebrated around the world on April 22. On Earth Day, people gather, volunteer and celebrate planet Earth to support environmental protection.
Washington County will waive daily vehicle permit fees allowing free entry to Washington County Parks on April 22 in honor of Earth Day.
Explore Washington County Parks
On the first Tuesday (non-holiday) of every month, visit any Washington County Park for free. No vehicle permit required.
2023 Free Tuesday Schedule
- January 3
- February 7
- March 7
- April 4
- May 2
- June 6
- July 11
- August 1
- September 5
- October 3
- November 7
- December 5
Washington County Parks will be waiving vehicle permit fees at all park locations on the Friday after Thanksgiving to encourage everyone in our community to enjoy more time in the outdoors.
Since 2008, communities have been celebrating National Get Outdoors Day every year. The goal of this day is to inspire and motivate people to get outside and enjoy a day of healthy and fun outdoor adventures while celebrating the exploration of nature.
Washington County Parks now designates the second Saturday in June as a free day to visit the county parks without requiring a vehicle permit. This change replaces the previous tradition of Explore Your Parks Day, which used to take place on the first Saturday in June.
Contact Parks
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Washington County Parks
A division of the Public Works Department
Phone: 651-430-4300
Email StaffBig Marine Park Reserve
Phone: 651-430-8200Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park
Phone: 651-430-8226Historic Courthouse
Phone: 651-275-7075Lake Elmo Park Reserve
Phone: 651-430-8370Pine Point Regional Park
Phone: 651-430-8200Square Lake Park
Phone: 651-430-8200Point Douglas Park
Phone: 651-430-8240